Moderate coffee drinking could be good for you, says new research

The largest reduction in relative risk of premature death is seen in people consuming three cups a day, compared with non-coffee drinkers. Drinking coffee was also linked to a lower risk of diabetes, liver disease, dementia and some cancers.

If that's not enough to get a steaming hot cup of the bean, they are also 19% less likely to die of heart disease, 18% less likely to develop cancer and have a lowered risk of type 2 diabetes, when compared with people who do not drink coffee.

Stevens added that the study experts found facts that resonated with the findings of earlier trials that coffee has the potential to prevent cancer, protect against headaches and weight gain. Numerous included studies may have adjusted for factors that may be associated with both the health outcome and with coffee drinking, such as smoking.

"There is a balance of risks in life, and the benefits of moderate consumption of coffee seem to outweigh the risks", said Roderick.

More than three cups of coffee were linked to no harm but produced less enhanced benefits.

In the BMJ-British Medical Journal, the research done by the Poole's team is published which concludes that the coffee intake is apparently safe if done within the usual patterns.

To better understand the effects of coffee consumption on health, a team led by Robin Poole, from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, carried out an umbrella review of 201 studies.

The research also contains some detail on the difference in coffee preparation.

However researchers warned that drinking too much could be harmful during pregnancy or to those with a higher risk of suffering fractures. They also urge coffee drinkers to stick to "healthy coffees", so your Venti Iced Toffee Nut Latte with Hazelnuts and White Chocolate Mocha Sauce might be off the menu.

But, this news might not be strong enough to start a coffee habit. "That may be a simple question, but as with most things dietary related, there isn't a simple answer", said Dr Amelia Lake of Teesside University.

Increasing consumption to above that amount was not associated with harm, but the beneficial effects were less pronounced.

Coffee is the most loved and desired drink consumed throughout the world.